Can you imagine a grizzled, iron-willed cowboy like Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, donning his sharpest duds to swear in as Montana’s governor? That’s right, fans of the rugged Yellowstone Dutton Ranch were left with their jaws on the floor as this masterstroke by Taylor Sheridan shook the very foundations of the show we thought we knew.
In a surprising twist that left fans still reeling, Yellowstone Season 5 (Part 1) opened with John Dutton, taking on a new role as the governor of Montana. Moreover, this is a pivotal moment in the season that could potentially lead to John Dutton’s demise or the closure of Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
As the series comes to an end later this year and Costner has already left the show, die-hard fans are chomping at the bit on Reddit, with some accusing the storyline of lazy writing.
Yellowstone Viewers React to John Dutton’s Governor Role
Kevin Costner’s John Dutton has always had the final say in all decisions made on and around the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch; however, he was elected governor in Season 5, Part 1.
Now that he has control over all of Montana’s land, that is all that matters to him. To put it another way, the rugged rancher, known for his tough demeanor & firm commitment to his land, now finds himself in a position of power that may prove to be his downfall.
As a result, many fans oppose him becoming governor. Moreover, following the confirmed news of Costner’s exit from the show, fans are lamenting the unanticipated development in his character’s arc. Many are taking to online forums to voice their frustration, with one fan describing the storyline as “lazy writing” and questioning Taylor Sheridan’s direction in which the show is heading.
But unlike his character, Costner, 69, who is renowned for his roles in beloved movies like The Untouchables and Dances with Wolves, has no intention of entering politics. He told USA Today:
No, I don’t think there’s any reason for me to run though I wish the people that did run had a bigger vision and more of a morality about how they see the country evolving. I’m disappointed.
His portrayal of John Dutton has won viewers’ hearts all over the globe, but his departure from the show has left a void that may be hard to fill.
Kevin Costner’s Reaction to His Yellowstone Exit
Kevin Costner, known for his iconic roles in Western films, has been vocal about his decision to leave Yellowstone after five seasons. The actor has no regrets and remains steadfast in his resolve to move on to new horizons.
In true cowboy fashion, Costner is not one to shy away from controversy or drama. He has been visibly irritated with the way the media has covered his Yellowstone exit over the past few weeks. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor explained why he decided to leave the show. He said of his exit:
It wasn’t tough. It was a necessary decision to say, ‘Hey, OK, I don’t want to really talk about this anymore. It’s time to move on’.
He may be tired of the drama and speculation surrounding his exit, but we must admit that this cowboy is not afraid to blaze a new trail and tackle new challenges head-on.
As the saga of Yellowstone Dutton Ranch continues to unfold, fans are left wondering what lies ahead for their beloved characters. Will John Dutton’s new role as governor spell doom for the family legacy, or will they rise above the challenges that lie ahead?
The second half of Season 5 of Yellowstone will premiere on November 10, 2024.
Yellowstone is available on Paramount+.